DENVER, Colo. -- The Regis University women's basketball team defeated Colorado State University Pueblo (CSUP) 85-70 in a Saturday matinee in the Regis fieldhouse. The Thunderwolves, ranked first in the RMAC prior to the matchup, move to 11-5 (6-2 RMAC), while the Rangers improve to 7-8 (5-3 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
A thundering first quarter performance for the Rangers generated momentum that sustained the home team in the high-scoring matchup. Regis's Taylin Sterling netted the first points of the game, and five different Rangers recorded points in the statement opening. The Rangers bested the Thunderwolves 29-11 in the quarter and held their largest lead of the game, a 19-point advantage, with 1:04 remaining in the first.
The Thunderwolves outscored the Rangers in the second quarter, but the home team maintained an 8-point lead at the end of the first half. The Rangers responded out of half time and claimed the third quarter, leading 67-50 entering the final ten minutes of regulation. A competitive fourth quarter was not enough for a Thunderwolf comeback, and the home team came out comfortably on top, recording an 85-70 final score.
Athena Saragoza led all Rangers with 22 points. Erin Fry and Serlen tallied 18 and 13 respectively. Fry also dished out eight assists, the most of any player in the matchup. The Ranger offense had 17 assists to CSUP's 10.
Jess Bollwahn led the Rangers in rebounds, collecting 11. Addison Branscum was a close second with 10.
Entering the match-up, the Rangers were ranked seventh in the RMAC while the Thunderwolves were ranked first. Earlier this month, the Rangers fell to the Thunderwolves 80-72 in Pueblo. The bounce-back win boosts the Rangers in the conference standings entering the second half of the regular season schedule.
GAME NOTES
The Rangers shot 38.7% from the three-point line, while the Thunderwolves shot 20%.
Regis collected 53 rebounds to CSUP's 37.
The Thunderwolves had eight steals and seven turnovers, while the Rangers had four steals and 13 turnovers.
UP NEXT
The Rangers make a short trip downtown to face the Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners on Tuesday night. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m.